🌴☀️ Welcome to Martinique, Man kontan wè’w! ☀️🌴

Something promised, something due. In the Food on Culinary Travel article (if you haven’t read it, I suggest you take a look at it, it’s pretty good. I don’t say that just because I wrote it, but really because there’s a way you can discover really nice little dishes), I told you, when I introduced you to the "trempage", a dish from Martinique, that I would write one to introduce you to some of the wonders that characterize this island. Well it’s D-Day. So I hope you’re ready for a total change of scenery. It starts now ! Annou ay ! 😎

So that you feel immediately in the atmosphere, imagine yourself coming out of the airport, it is 86°F, you get a little slap because, tropical climate makes, it's hot and especially very humid 🥵, result, the air seems a little heavy to you, but don’t panic, you just need a little bit of adjustment and… aaaaaah here is better, you just felt a light breeze caressing your face 🌬️, these are the trade winds.

Now that you’re acclimatized, you’re ready to discover this paradise island, which is nicknamed the flower island 🌺.

For the moment, I will skip the small point of geography, because normally, there, you have already put your feet on the Martinique soil; but I will however explain to you why this nickname. It comes from its very first inhabitants, who discovered an island with a mosaic of exotic plants, bright colors, which (fortunately) are still well preserved. We can therefore find ,

Balisiers, Roses de porcelaine, Hibiscus, Panache d’officier, Anthurium, Bougainvilliers, Frangipaniers, Flamboyants and many others...

And as I like to say, since a picture is worth a thousand words, get ready to take the view in this article 🤩.

Far beyond flowers, Martinique is also a multitude of sumptuous and diverse landscapes. So follow the guide (me🙋🏽‍♀️) who takes you straight to the beach 🏖️. Because, yes, when we talk about an island, we immediately imagine the idyllic landscapes of postcard, white and fine sand beach, turquoise and translucent water, coconut palms, sun, etc... For now, the least we can say is that you will not be disappointed, because if you go to the south of the island, this is exactly the type of landscape you will find.

Also expect to see beaches of black sand, mainly located in the north of the island, because it's in fact, volcanic sand, created by the eruptions of Mount Pelee 🌋, a dormant but still active volcano. Located in the town of Saint-Pierre, it represents the highest point of Martinique with its 4577 feets.

And with this volcano, we have arrived in the North of Martinique.

Change of scenery, this time with lush vegetation, rivers AND 😏… Waterfalls. The most famous of the island remain the waterfalls of Didier. I’ll only show you the first one in the photo, which is accessible after a small hike of about 30 min. To see the second one, you have to be deserving 😌 and overcome all obstacles (believe me there will be 🕷). More seriously! These little wonders are located on the heights of Fort-de-France, well away from the public eye, right next to the natural sparkling mineral water processing plant of the island 💧 known as “Fontaine Didier”. I don’t go into too much detail about everything there is to do or see in Martinique, because I’m preparing another article for you just for that. This one is a “quick” presentation of the little Martinique pearls, just to bait you, while being careful, not to spoil you the beauties of your next stay 🤗.

If you have a thirst now, it’s time to visit the 10 rum stores that you find scattered all over the island. Named distilleries, houses or plantations, they will not only offer you a small tasting 🥃, but also and especially a detailed and lively story of their history. They are true places of culture and heritage, where there are both large vats and barrels, but also botanical gardens and expositions.

To finish on the culture and heritage of this island, I couldn’t close this article without quickly introducing you to the Tour of Yoles Rondes, as well as the Carnival. As for the first one, if you want to attend, you have to be present in late July, early August. This is a sailing canoe race ⛵️, called “yoles”. This event, which takes place every year, lasts 8 days. Ambiance guaranteed both on land and on sea, since there are always animations at the finish of each stage, and the possibility to follow the race on the water by renting catamarans on which believe me, you can shake.

And as the party calls the party (I have no idea where I got that from), let’s talk about Carnival. It however takes place during the winter holiday period.

So if you’re way too cold in Metropolis, and you want to raise the temperature, you know what you have to do. Martinique will be the place to be ! For 5 days, an atmosphere of madness, a release, a total release 🥳 ! Whether you decide to attend alone or accompanied, know that you will necessarily make new friends.

A parade of groups on foot, dressed in costumes all more beautiful than each other; dances 💃, songs, to the rhythm of the ti-bwa, drum, chacha and other instruments typical of the island.

And that’s it ! Your stay ends here. This is where our ways separate. After all that, you have only one desire… live in Martinique 😏 or at least come back to it quickly 😀. And it is with great pleasure that I'll accompany you again in your next adventure on this paradise island. So, see you soon; and as they say over there, An lot soley 🙋🏽‍♀️!